The Omnivores

Sean

Food has always been a big part of my life. I love to cook it and eat it and there’s not much out there I won’t try. I have always been an advocate of, above all, eating real foods sourced locally. I was introduced to the “paleo diet” through CrossFit which led me to take a more critical look at what this was all about. We have recently adopted a mostly “primal” eating philosophy. So far I cannot find many dietary flaws in the system. In addition to losing some weight, gaining muscle and being less tired, I can see this as a sustainable long-term diet that fits our lifestyle.  I am currently finishing my Ph.D. in nuclear physics at the University of North Carolina. For now I’m enjoying spending my time with Jacquie and Morley and learning about physics, food and “primal” living.

Jacquie

I’m 25 yrs old (as of March 2012, that is) and was born and raised in Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!).  I currently am working on my Ph.D. in physics and live in Chapel Hill, NC with Sean and our crazy dog, Morley. I swam throughout most of my schooling (sprint; mainly free and some back), and recently I developed a love for running. Like Sean, I try to live a “primal” life, but I do love a good cheat! (who doesn’t love cheese-food and beer?!…)

It seems everywhere you turn now-a-days there’s some new crazy diet or someone else claiming they know how to live the “long healthy life” that everyone wants. I don’t know if a primal lifestyle is the answer; all I know is I like what I’ve read and it makes me feel good… and sometimes, that’s all that matters I think.

The Vegetarians

Mary

I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 18 and never looked back. People ask if I miss meat and I always say, no, not one bit! I’ve never liked meat and growing up, our family meals were not very meat-heavy. I did eat fish until Eric became a vegetarian in May 2010, then decided to let the sea creatures be. I still eat cheese, eggs and milk but have cut down on those recently. I’ve lost weight and feel much better, although I do love dairy products and can easily take down a party-size cheese platter by myself.

In my opinion, there is nothing better than an outstanding meal with good company, or cooking weeknight dinners with someone you love. I love food – learning about it, cooking it, eating it – and now, writing about it!

Eric

I have had a very unhealthy relationship with food for most of life. At 26 years old, I am classified as being obese, and won’t leave the category that I share with 31% of adult males until I shed another 20 pounds.  20 is not so bad right now, but the chart below should shed some light on my journey so far.

As you can  see, my switch to vegetarianism has had a positive affect on my weight that I had previously struggled with for 15 years.  I have recently switched to a completely plant based diet and I can honestly say that I have never felt better.  Why do I choose this lifestyle?  The easiest answer for now is…why not?